Western Conference update

Colorado has suffered through a disappointing season in 2013 and may end with the worst record in the Western Conference.

Only eight of 15 Western Conference teams can make the playoffs. And the ones that won't will need to make some improvements in the offseason. Here's a look at the bottom five teams, not including the Predators (15-21-8), and what they need for next season:

Colorado Avalanche (14-22-7)

The Avalanche came into the year looking like a team that could break out, but instead it may finish with the worst record in the conference. Colorado has some building blocks at forward, but its defense has lagged. The Avalanche allows the second-most goals per game in the west with 3.09.

Calgary Flames (17-22-4)

The Flames made the right moves by trading captain Jarome Iginla and defenseman Jay Bouwmeester for younger pieces. They need to continue their youth movement by trading older pieces such as goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, defenseman Dennis Wideman and forwards Mike Cammalleri and Alex Tanguay.

Edmonton Oilers (16-19-7)

You'd think if a team had the top pick in the draft three straight years it probably would make the playoffs after the third. But the Oilers are simply too strong in one position - scoring forward. They need grittier two-way players up front and a strong two-way defenseman to complement their skill.

Phoenix Coyotes (18-17-7)

The Coyotes aren't out of the playoff race yet, but what they need most this offseason is an owner that will keep them in Phoenix. The NHL has owned the team since 2009, and there have been reports that the league will examine relocation this offseason if a new owner isn't in place.

Dallas Stars (21-18-3)

The Stars also could very well make the postseason. They dealt some of their veteran scorers around the trading deadline and actually got better. Now they appear set for the future with a core of Jamie Benn, Loui Eriksson, Alex Goligoski and Alex Chiasson. Maybe they need to add a piece on the blueline, but not much else.